Fresh speculation about Donald Trump's health has emerged after footage appeared to show his close aide Natalie Harp leaning over him aboard Marine One. The short clip, filmed after the president's trip to Illinois on September 27, shows Ms Harp sitting in front of Mr Trump and appearing to handle a bag as he shifts in his seat. Much of her actions are obscured by her body, leaving viewers unable to see exactly what she is touching or why she is looking down. One social media user asked: "Is she checking his vitals?"
Role of Natalie Harp
Others suggested Ms Harp could have been acting as a nurse, but there is no evidence in the footage that she was carrying out a medical examination or providing treatment. Ms Harp's documented White House role is special assistant and executive assistant to the president. She is frequently seen travelling with Mr Trump and accompanying him at public events.
The footage emerged after Mr Trump spent Sunday at the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club outside Chicago, where he was honorary chairman. He remained for the trophy presentation after the US team defeated the International team 17-13 before travelling back to Washington, reported the International Business Times. The Marine One footage therefore appears to have been taken after his appearance at the golf tournament, with Mr Trump subsequently seen speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews.
Recent health scrutiny
The strange clip has nevertheless added to a stream of online scrutiny of the president's health and physical appearance in recent weeks. Mr Trump's latest annual medical examination was carried out at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26. A memorandum released by the White House said the examination included laboratory testing, diagnostic studies and consultations with 22 specialist providers.
The president's physician, US Navy Capt Sean Barbabella, said Mr Trump remained in "excellent health", with the assessment covering his cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function. The latest Marine One video does not provide medical evidence contradicting that assessment. It shows Mr Trump sitting beside a window while Ms Harp moves into a seat in front of him. Her back blocks part of the camera's view as she appears to handle a bag and briefly look down. Mr Trump then shifts position.
Other videos and photos
The episode follows several other videos and photographs that have prompted online commentary about Mr Trump's appearance and movements. A separate clip from his September 26 visit to Tennessee also generated comments about his appearance, although the footage itself could not establish anything about his health.
